Telangana state may come into existence by month-end

With the passage of a bill in Lok Sabha, formation of a separate Telangana state has almost become a reality. But there are still some formalities left to complete the entire process.

If all goes well, two states – Telangana and the residuary state of Andhra Pradesh, will come into existence by month-end, say political observers.

K. Nageshwar, a professor at Osmania University, said that the process is to be completed before poll notification.

Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Bill, which was passed by Lok Sabha amid pandemonium, will now go to Rajya Sabha. If any amendments to the bill are passed, it has to go again to Lok Sabha.

Analysts say this could be a final hurdle for the government as Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) plans to bring amendments when the bill is taken up for debate in the upper house.

The government has only three days, including Wednesday, left as the session, the last of the current Lok Sabha, is ending Friday.

Once approved by both the houses, the bill will go to President Pranab Mukherjee for his assent.

After the President gives his assent, the legislation will be notified in the central gazette. It will come into effect from the date of publication of the gazette or any date by the central government.

As the Election Commission is likely to announce election schedule in next few days, all eyes will be on the date in the notification for giving effect to the formation of two states.

As elections to Andhra Pradesh legislative assembly are due along with the Lok Sabha polls, there is no clarity if the assembly elections would be held in two separate states or a united Andhra Pradesh.

The term of the existing 294-member Andhra Pradesh assembly is ending June 2.